Ryan Braun admits PED use, suspended for rest of 2013

By Mike Axisa

Brewers
slugger Ryan
Braun has been suspended for the rest of the 2013 season without pay, effective
immediately, MLB has announced. He admitted to using performance-enhancing
drugs and violating the Joint Drug Agreement, though he did not give any
specifics. The suspension is officially 65 games.

"As I have acknowledged in the past, I am not perfect," said Braun in a
statement. "I realize now that I have made some mistakes. I am willing to
accept the consequences of those actions. This situation has taken a toll on me
and my entire family, and it is has been a distraction to my teammates and the
Brewers organization. I am very grateful for the support I have received from
players, ownership and the fans in Milwaukee
and around the country. Finally, I wish to apologize to anyone I may have
disappointed – all of the baseball fans especially those in Milwaukee,
the great Brewers organization, and my teammates. I am glad to have this matter
behind me once and for all, and I cannot wait to get back to the game I love."

"We commend Ryan Braun for taking responsibility for his past actions," said
Rob Manfred, Executive Vice President, Economics & League Affairs for Major
League Baseball. "We all agree that it is in the best interests of the game to
resolve this matter. When Ryan returns, we look forward to him making positive
contributions to Major League Baseball, both on and off the field."

Braun, 29, has been a focal point of MLB's recent investigation into the South
Florida anti-aging clinic Biogenesis. He tested positive for
elevated levels of testosterone late in 2011 but successfully appealed the
suspension. As many as 20 players, including Alex Rodriguez, may be suspended
for their ties to the clinic.

Braun met with MLB's investigators recently, and during that meeting the
league reportedly laid out all of the evidence they have acquire. Rather than
go through an appeals process, Braun's side agreed to a plea deal and the
negotiated suspension. Under the JDA, first time offenders get 50-game
suspensions, second-timers get 100 games, and third-timers get lifetime bans.

The suspension will cost Braun roughly $3.5 million in salary. He is still
under contract for $117 million through 2020.